The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a strong condemnation following the viral spread of a video depicting the takeover of Al Aqsa Mosque by Israeli forces — a development that has ignited intense concern across the Muslim and Christian worlds. The video of Al-Aqsa Mosque being taken over by Israel has spread rapidly on social media, raising fears of further escalation in the occupied East Jerusalem.
In an official statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced Israeli calls to demolish the Al-Aqsa Mosque and criticized the repeated assaults on Christians during Holy Saturday celebrations in Jerusalem. The ministry warned that such actions threaten to inflame religious tensions and endanger regional stability.
Call to Protect Sacred Religious Sites
The UAE urged the international community to ensure the protection of Islamic and Christian holy sites, demanding an immediate halt to what it described as serious and provocative violations. The ministry emphasized the importance of respecting Jordan’s custodial role over Jerusalem’s religious landmarks, in accordance with international law and long-standing historical arrangements.
Furthermore, the UAE condemned efforts to undermine the Jerusalem Endowment Administration, the official body managing the affairs of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and stressed the need to preserve its authority.
Rising Tensions in East Jerusalem
Since 2003, Israeli authorities have permitted settlers to enter the Al-Aqsa compound on a near-daily basis, contributing to growing religious and political unrest. For Muslims, Al-Aqsa is the third-holiest site in Islam. Jews refer to the same location as the Temple Mount, believing it to be the historic site of two ancient Jewish temples.
A Call for Peace and a Political Solution
The UAE warned that these escalating provocations, including the viral video and real-world assaults, could lead to dangerous consequences. The ministry called on global powers to support a comprehensive peace process based on the two-state solution, in line with international law, and to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people to establish a sovereign state.
